Profile on client website - yes/no?

[Zigenare]

My current client (outside IR35 contract) has asked if I'd be willing to have my profile shown on their external website along with all other staff - it's a very small company. They've made it clear that they'd identify me as a Consultant but have also asked if I'd be willing for my photo and/or a link to my LinkedIn profile to be included.

I'm completely at liberty to say no but I wondered what people thought of it? Is this a no-no in the modern IR35 landscape (sign of part & parcel etc)?

Your alarm bells should've started ringing at this "on their external website along with all other staff". #JustSaying.

[saptastic]

Also I know that sometimes clients will not update their website, they like to make their team look big or go under, and the website is dormant - so if you tell HMRC you did a 6 month gig and they say well you were part of "meet the team" on their website for 2 years..... sure you can disprove it but there is no value to you and just creates an unnecessary red flag.

[jamesbrown]

Yeah, it isn't always easy to be outside IR35 with very small clients. Many of them started with one person and they have a tendency to expect personal service from employees and contractors alike and can see them as much the same. Personally, I can't be bothered with UK clients at all anymore, Chapter 8 or otherwise.

[northernladuk]

Thanks all, you've confirmed what I was thinking and I've asked them not to put my details on their website

I'd also have a dig around in to your IR35 status and either make sure you've all the insurances and checks possible.

[Paddy]

Long ago at one client co I kept getting automated emails asking me to upload my photo to the company intranet. I load up a blank grey jpeg and the emails stopped.

[Snooky]

Thanks all, you've confirmed what I was thinking and I've asked them not to put my details on their website

[jamesbrown]

Er, no. They are just looking for content to fill out their own profile, presumably. Anyway, no, as an external supplier, there is no sane commercial reason from your POV and it will make you look part and parcel to any outsider. A company profile would be less bad, but still a bit weird. Conversely, there is no problem in you listing your past clients on your own company website if you have clearance from them.

[northernladuk]

"We use consulting resources from: Snooky & Co Ltd."

My concern about it is that if you're a contractor, in to do one project for maybe 6 months or so, and then on to the next role, why would they want your photo on their website?
If you're the kind of person who spends a few years at one client before doing multiple jobs, then yes, you're effectively an employee, get them to put your photo up there.

That's a great idea but only saves your IR35 status if they list other suppliers as well. If it's just you then they are just fudging the wording and the outcome stays the same.

Totally agree with the rest and it's the norm in a small client.

[northernladuk]

I haven't had this exactly but I have been asked to provide "skills matrix" stuff before so that when making bids they can boast how many expert C++ peopled they have. I tend to ignore the emails about it

The reason for doing this can vary. I've seen that as well but I've also seen clients doing this internally for resourcing future projects. Quite happy to put myself on those. I treat it like GCloud or any other platform where I can show the skills I can sell to the client, granted the list is internal. If my name is on there and they need me they engage me via contract and we are good. No IR35 issue, just the opportunity for a company to get on a list where they wouldn't have the chance to normally. Similar to being on GCloud when that's the wrong framework for PSC's... but nice to be on it if you can pass the checks.

If it's then ,as you say, ignoring them is the best way. If it's selling you as a resource to gain new work then you are a team member and your IR35 status is in jeopardy. As I've already said, and i think worth iterating again, if a small client thinks this is a good idea then I'd seriously question what they think you are to them. I'd be willing to bet your IR35 status is highly questionable.

[d000hg]

I haven't had this exactly but I have been asked to provide "skills matrix" stuff before so that when making bids they can boast how many expert C++ peopled they have. I tend to ignore the emails about it

"Specialist External Contractor" perhaps... and as said a link to your professional LinkedIn not your personal. There is the possibility you might get work offers if someone sees you listed there I suppose.

But if they genuinely aren't bothered, asking not to be listed seems easier. It might help reinforce in their minds that you are different to the permies.

[WTFH]

"We use consulting resources from: Snooky & Co Ltd."

My concern about it is that if you're a contractor, in to do one project for maybe 6 months or so, and then on to the next role, why would they want your photo on their website?
If you're the kind of person who spends a few years at one client before doing multiple jobs, then yes, you're effectively an employee, get them to put your photo up there.

[ladymuck]

I would be inclined to say no too.

As a compromise, you could suggest that your company logo be displayed with a link to your company LinkedIn page?

[northernladuk]

Hell no. They maybe putting consultant but they are representing you as part of a team. That's their intention and that's how it will look to anyone reading it.

An outside consultant should not be there long enough and their delivery model should not be part of a 'team' so shouldn't be on a profile IMO. What blurb will they be putting with the image? I imagine it will look a perm job title as well which won't help. And bringing your linkedin means they are using your experience to offer a rounded solution to the clients which makes you look even more like part of the team.

Are you sure you are really outside if they think you should be on a profile? I'm highly suspicious of outside gigs with very small outfits at best and little things like that re-enforce my opinion.

EDIT : I'm sure people will say who cares and it's a minor point but if we deal with the pedantry and rules first you'll be better informed as to whether you should or shouldn't if you get me.

[Snooky]

My current client (outside IR35 contract) has asked if I'd be willing to have my profile shown on their external website along with all other staff - it's a very small company. They've made it clear that they'd identify me as a Consultant but have also asked if I'd be willing for my photo and/or a link to my LinkedIn profile to be included.

I'm completely at liberty to say no but I wondered what people thought of it? Is this a no-no in the modern IR35 landscape (sign of part & parcel etc)?